Artur Jorge
BragaKurban Kurbanov
Qarabag
Meeting Highlights…QARABAG
They are an opponent for whom we have all the respect. A team with a lot of capacity, they are present in Europe every year and confidence levels are always very high. With the hope of being able to provide an image more in line with our requirements. A difficult game, but one where we will try to win to take a step forward, gaining an important advantage for the second leg.
…LACK OF PERFORMANCE
It is a sign of growth, of demands, of high expectations that are set and that seek to be met. This is real, from an interval in which we went from 80, with winning a trophy, to 8, as the last result. We know both facts. I like it that way, because we see SC Braga in constant evolution, criticism and judgement are made even with these achievements. And this challenges the coach and players to live up to expectations.
…INJURIES
Niakaté trained with us all week. Simon arrived today, we are counting on him in training, we will see his condition, but I would say that he will almost certainly be in the options list.
Artur Jorge
Manager on Braga…QARABAG
They are an opponent for whom we have all the respect. A team with a lot of capacity, they are present in Europe every year and confidence levels are always very high. With the hope of being able to provide an image more in line with our requirements. A difficult game, but one where we will try to win to take a step forward, gaining an important advantage for the second leg.
…LACK OF PERFORMANCE
It is a sign of growth, of demands, of high expectations that are set and that seek to be met. This is real, from an interval in which we went from 80, with winning a trophy, to 8, as the last result. We know both facts. I like it that way, because we see SC Braga in constant evolution, criticism and judgement are made even with these achievements. And this challenges the coach and players to live up to expectations.
…INJURIES
Niakaté trained with us all week. Simon arrived today, we are counting on him in training, we will see his condition, but I would say that he will almost certainly be in the options list.
Kurban Kurbanov
Manager on Qarabag…BRAGA
We have a tough game ahead of us. We will play against a serious opponent. Today's preparation was not bad. We will face the fastest, most dynamic football playing team in recent years. The training of my players is at a good level. I believe that we will be able to fight well tomorrow. We are willing. We value our opponent a lot. We believe that they will be able to play good, interesting football against this team.
…ABOUT MATCH
A team cannot be at the same level throughout the year, because there is always a team in front of them that analyses them. We also had problems in the last games. But it does not mean that they will be repeated tomorrow. Or from the side of Braga. We should not be fooled by anything, we should be realistic. How we know Braga, what qualities they have, we should approach it correctly. If they are confident, it can be a big problem for us. Our opponent is willing. I also looked at the statements of their head coaches, they treat the game seriously, they value us. They are mutual. They have a chance to make Sporting forget the defeat with a big score. They will try to use it. We don't think about statistics. We have to come out thinking about the real Braga.
…WIN
I wouldn't say it as a percentage. Realistically, the advantage is on the side of Braga. But we don't agree with that today. We will try to do our job on the field.